Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)*

Graduates are eligible and well-prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for the Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP) credential.

UC's MLS Graduation Rate**

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

Graduation Rates:***

75.7%

79.4%

85.1%

ASCP BOC Pass Rates

2014

2015

2016

UC MLS**

88.57%

91.04%

90.30%

National Average

84.47%

78.85%

79.80%

UC's MLS Placement Rate**

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

Placement Rate

97.80%

98.20%

96.90%

*The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; Phone: 773-714-8880; Fax: 773-714-8886; info@naacls.org; http://www.naacls.org**Includes on campus BS, online BS and on campus certificate tracks.
***As calculated by NAACLS guidelines based on students graduating that began the second half of the program.

About the Online BS in MLS

The nationwide shortage of medical laboratory science professionals is only expected to increase over the years to come, making this an ideal time to pursue your BS degree. We encourage you to act on this opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for continued growth toward your career goals.
The University of Cincinnati’s online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program has been designed for clinical laboratory technicians (CLTs) and medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) who are currently working in the field.
Our online MLS program combines the quality and high standards of UC’s campus-based program with the flexibility and convenience of state-of-the-art distance learning. It is a smart choice for busy professionals who want to advance their education while also continuing to meet personal and professional responsibilities.

Mission and Purpose

The primary mission of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to educate and equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are essential for a professional medical laboratory scientist.

In accordance with the University of Cincinnati mission statement, the Medical Laboratory Science program is dedicated to promoting the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an environment that fosters continuing education and lifelong learning. The program coursework and experiences emphasize the technical and academic competencies required of a medical laboratory scientist and the ethics and professionalism outlined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

The program faculty and staff are committed to continual assessment and revision of the program. Through these efforts, graduating students will be prepared for national certification examinations and employment in their profession as well as pursuing graduate-level education.

Why Choose UC for Your Online Degree?

The University of Cincinnati has been a pioneer among urban, public research universities since our founding in 1819. Today, with more than 200,000 alumni, UC continues in our role as an innovative source for higher education with online programs that connect working professionals with a dynamic global community.

Top-Ranked, Accredited University

UC has gained a notable reputation for its expert faculty, groundbreaking research, innovative curricula, program accreditations and affordable tuition.

Top 200 National Universities (U.S. News & World Report college rankings, 2015)

The Princeton Review 2015: The Best 379 Colleges

PolicyMic, a millennial generation news site, ranked UC as top in the nation for giving students the "Best Bang for Their Buck." (2013)

Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

About the College of Allied Health Sciences

The College of Allied Health Sciences educates and prepares students in a variety of health care fields, including medical laboratory science. Students in the College of Allied Health Sciences can:

Achieve clinical skills and provide high-quality service.

Learn to excel in the scientific, professional and humanistic aspects of health care.

Gain knowledge of the changing needs and demands in the health care field.

Participate in activities that enhance their ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Practice in a manner consistent with well-established methods.

Our Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)*. This credential is a deciding factor for many allied health professionals who choose to study at the University of Cincinnati.

“What really strikes me about this distance learning program is the way everything is built with me, the student, in mind. The technology is simple to use and provides me an array of learning activities, from slide-show lectures to chatroom discussions, connecting me with whatever learning style fits best for the material at hand. The University of Cincinnati’s combination of expertise and efficiency has given me not only a top-notch learning environment, but has also provided me a way to excel with both my education and career at the same time.”

— James Rawson, Graduate, New Jersey

Everything You Need to Know

The job outlook for professionals holding a Medical Laboratory Science degree is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians will grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations*.

Patient access to quality health care depends on the availability of certified professionals at every touch point. Medical laboratory science is no exception, as an accurate diagnosis creates the basis for each patient’s treatment plan.

The challenge for health care providers is the lack of qualified medical laboratory talent with the credentials to fill increasingly sophisticated roles. In fact, the shortage is so great that the allied health discipline has been identified as an area of need under the federal Workforce Investment Act.

The University of Cincinnati is committed to expanding our curriculum in response to these increasing needs. It is our goal to grow the pool of skilled medical laboratory scientists through our online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program. Interested students are encouraged to research the salary outlook and latest trends driving opportunities in this field.

Growth Factors

One factor driving the growth of health care careers across the board is an aging population. The aging of society points to a natural increase in medical conditions over time, including those that require ongoing diagnostic tests such as cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol and more.

Another aspect influencing positive growth is a laboratory workforce that is reaching retirement age. According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), approximately 40 percent of today’s medical laboratory technologists and technicians are within 10 years of leaving the workforce.

Opportunities Nationwide

who hold a Medical Laboratory Science degree are in demand from coast to coast. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers project there will be almost 11,000 open positions for laboratory technologists and technicians annually through 2018. Meanwhile, less than 5,000 individuals are graduating from medical laboratory science programs each year, according to the ASCP.

A variety of career opportunities exist for individuals with a Medical Laboratory Science degree. Hospitals, outpatient facilities and laboratory testing centers are all experiencing an increased demand for qualified professionals.

Graduates of the University of Cincinnati online BS in Medical Laboratory Science program can look forward to expanding their career opportunities. Industry trends point to the need for experienced medical laboratory scientists increasing steadily over the years to come.

Increased opportunities for research based on large and more easily accessed data sets.

Aging patient population in need of regular testing for chronic disease states and disease management.

Medical laboratory science talent shortage in hospitals, clinics and laboratory centers across the United States.

Skills gap exacerbated by laboratory employees retiring.

A Convergence of Ambition and Analytics

Working in the medical laboratory science field can be an exciting career choice for individuals who want to play an important role in diagnosing illnesses and creating subsequent treatment plans. The laboratory is where many medical discoveries start, whether that means consulting with physicians to understand a patient’s condition or working with researchers to uncover new breakthroughs.

The contributions of professionals with a Medical Laboratory Science degree are critical to our future as patients and health care workers.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program is designed to complement the lifestyle of busy working professionals, giving you the flexibility to graduate in just over two years. We have three starts per academic calendar year: fall, spring and summer.

Exciting and Insightful Coursework

The program coursework and experiences emphasize the technical and academic competencies required of a medical laboratory scientist and the ethics and professionalism outlined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Your coursework will include the following courses:

MLSC 3052: Special Topics in Medical Laboratory Science

MLSC 3053: Clinical Immunology

MLSC 3054: Clinical Fluid Analysis

MLSC 3055: Statistics

MLSC 3056: Hemostasis

MLSC 4050: Diagnostic Molecular Biology

MLSC 4051: Clinical Chemistry

MLSC 4057: Hematology

MLSC 4059: Special Microbiology

MLSC 4060: Clinical Microbiology

MLSC 4061: Advanced Clinical Microbiology

MLSC 4062: Principles of Immunohematology

MLSC 4063: Advanced Immunohematology

MLSC 4066: Advanced Clinical Chemistry

MLSC 4068: Advanced Hematology

MLSC 4069: Advanced Clinical Practice

MLSC 3963: Advanced Lab Concepts

MLSC 3051: Laboratory Operations

MLSC 4058: Medical Laboratory Science Capstone

MLSC 4071: Advanced Clinical Correlations

In the final term, you will conduct a medical laboratory science capstone research project centered on an aspect of today’s state-of-the art medical laboratory science practice. Your capstone project will culminate in a written report of your research and findings, which you will publicly present to faculty and peers.

Learn from credentialed faculty members who have a strong commitment to their students’ success. Our innovative instructional approach encourages critical thinking and clinical expertise built on a foundation of ethical practice.

Spotlight On:

Charity Accurso, Ph.D., MT (ASCP)

Dr. Accurso is the Program Director of the Medical Laboratory Science Program. Dr. Accurso is a graduate of the campus MLS program at UC. After completion of her PhD in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine, Dr. Accurso helped to launch the online MLS program to assist laboratory professionals in reaching their educational goals. Dr. Accurso draws on her academic training and laboratory experience to help in designing and delivering a program that aims to challenge students to advance their knowledge in the field of medical laboratory science.

Our students’ success is the true reflection of our commitment at the University of Cincinnati. We are proud to hear your stories of how earning your degree with us has made a difference in your life and the lives of others.

"What really strikes me about this distance learning program is the way everything is built with me, the student, in mind. The technology is simple to use and provides me an array of learning activities, from slide-show lectures to chatroom discussions, connecting me with whatever learning style fits best for the material at hand. The University of Cincinnati’s combination of expertise and efficiency has given me not only a top-notch learning environment, but has also provided me a way to excel with both my education and career at the same time."

— James Rawson, CLS (MLS) Graduate
New Jersey

“This program has been wonderful. It is challenging and rewarding. All of the instructors, facilitators and everyone else involved are very knowledgeable and always willing to lend a helping hand. I recently accepted a new position as a lab manager and truly believe that my experiences in this program contributed greatly to this success. With all of the daily responsibilities involved with being the head of my household, I found it nearly impossible to continue my education and earn my bachelor’s degree. That was until I discovered this amazing online program. Thank you UC!”

— Marjorie Greene, CLS (MLS) Graduate
Ohio

“I am extremely happy that I chose the University of Cincinnati because I feel that it’s a quality program that will help me professionally when I retire from the military. The facilitators are active within their groups and are always available to lend a helping hand. I would recommend the University of Cincinnati’s Clinical Laboratory Science (MLS) program to anyone who is serious about their education. I know that when I graduate I will have truly earned my degree, will be fully prepared for the national registry and will be proud to hang the diploma on my wall.”

Eligible applicants to the University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program must hold an associate degree from a NAACLS accredited CLT/MLT program or equivalent coursework and ASCP CLT/MLT certification.

Application Requirements

Eligible applicants to the University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program must meet the following qualifications:

Hold an associate degree from a NAACLS accredited* CLT/MLT program or equivalent coursework and ASCP CLT/MLT certification

Complete a MLS program application packet

Complete a UC online application

Submit proof of ASCP CLT/MLT certification

Possess a minimum 2.5 GPA

Submit official transcripts from all schools attended

Submit a letter of intent and updated resume

Submit three reference forms, an essential functions form and a statement of health form (all available in the MLS program application packet)

A: Salaries for medical laboratory scientists vary depending upon the type of position that graduates might seek, as well as their geographical area. On average, medical laboratory scientists earn between $56,000 and $77,000 a year, according to a 2013 survey conducted by the ASCP.

Q: I read the website. What if I have more questions?

A: An enrollment advisor is available to answer all your questions. To have your enrollment advisor contact you, complete the form at the top of this page.

Q: Why is accreditation important?

A: Accreditation is important for obtaining certification and licensure in the medical laboratory science field, and validating credit for transfer to other regionally accredited colleges or universities.

Q: What kind of accreditation should I look for?

A: In the United States, the most widely recognized form of accreditation for degree-granting programs comes from the regional accreditation commissions and professional accrediting bodies. The University of Cincinnati is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Medical Laboratory Science program at UC is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Q: What should I look for in a distance learning program?

A: We recommend you search for a program that has extensive experience delivering distance learning, low student attrition, dedicated full-time faculty, high student satisfaction and minimal travel. Unlike correspondence courses, UC distance learning programs are not self-paced or independent study. They have the benefit of traditional education, like instructor-led structured curriculum, with the convenience and interactivity of online technologies.